FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A proposal from Gov. Tony Evers would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. next year for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The plan would allow bars in 14 counties that surround Milwaukee to extend their hours to accommodate convention-goers.
Those counties are Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha.
Right now, Wisconsin bars and restaurants must close by 2 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 a.m. on weekends. But with Evers’ new proposal, those hours could be extended.
“It was asked of us by the people that are bringing the convention to Milwaukee and we said, ‘Yes, the legislature can make that decision,'” said Evers.
The convention is expected to draw thousands of people. The major economic impact expected to come with it, will likely be felt here in Northeast Wisconsin.
“With Fond du Lac being right on 41, I think, potentially, the hotels up here would be a great place for people to stay and get down to Milwaukee for the convention,” said Aaron Rickert, general manager at the Press Box, a bar in Fond du Lac.
He says he’s all for staying open later.
“The question will be if I have staff or if the opportunity arises in July. I know people are busy, but if it’s something that we could do, we’d surely think about it.”
Evers’ idea will need the approval of the Republican-controlled legislature to become law.
“I’m open to the discussion. It’s not going to be in the governor’s budget — we’re going to pull it out,” said State Rep. Dan Feyen, R-18th District. “It’s got to be a stand alone bill.”
Feyen says it’s not about politics; it’s about showcasing what Wisconsin and Fond du Lac have to offer.
“It’s just another avenue for businesses to do a little bit more business. It’s going to be later on but, you know, it’s a time when they would some get business they normally wouldn’t have, so I think it’s a good thing.”
According to Alcohol Justice, extending hours of alcoholic beverage sales increases alcohol-related harm. Expanding to a later closing time is associated with increases in alcohol consumption and related problems — such as emergency room visits, assault and drunk driving.
“I’m always concerned about drunk driving,” said Evers. “I’m very hopeful that if somebody’s going to a bar in Milwaukee at 4 o’clock in the morning, they’re not driving any place.”
“Most of these people are staying in hotels, and they’re walking to somewhere near by or the hospitality suite is in the hotel they’re staying at, so I don’t have a lot of concerns with that,” said Feyen.
The Republican National Convention is set to run from July 15 to 19, 2024.
“We have indoor and outdoor volleyball, a whiffle ball field in back, a full court basketball court. So, if there’s any active individuals who want to get out and breathe some fresh July Wisconsin air, come on up to Fond du Lac,” said Rickert. “We’d love to have you.”
A similar proposal perished in the state Senate in 2020 when Democrats were scheduled to host their national convention in Milwaukee.
That convention ended up being delayed and ultimately became a virtual event due to the pandemic.
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